Due to shoulder injuries (both shoulders, ain't I lucky? ) I have sold several pistols and plan to sell my beloved Redhawk in .44 mag. Just can't hold it anymore, much less shoot.
I'm considering getting a SA both for casual fun shooting, property unwanted varmint control and taking up CAS.
The question is: What is the minimum gun that will drop targets at a CAS shoot? Will a .32-20 do the job or do I need something more like a .38 spl or even 45LC? I want/need a small revolver and light recoil. Of course, there is still a need to stay 'authentic' within the rules of CAS.
What I would really like is a revolver on the order of the Ruger Bearcat in .32-20.

As you probably know, .32 caliber is the minimum allowed under SASS rules. At one time Ruger offered a Single Six in .32 which was smaller and lighter than their larger SA revolvers but they were discontinued some time ago.

A .38 Special with a light bullet (105 grains is very popular but even lighter bullets are available) is very mild. The brass is widely available which means cheaper. If the weight of the pistol is an issue, as another poster pointed out, Uberti makes a smaller framed SA revolver in .38 Special imported as the Model P Junior or Stallion.

SASS rules contemplate two revolvers, shotgun and rifle. You might check out NCOWS to see what they require. Also, keep in mind that some local clubs offer variations at monthly matches so don't give up before checking into what is being done at local clubs near you.

I also have shoulder and hand problems. I've found that the New Vaquero using a light .38 load works great. A 130gr LRNFP over 4.2 gr of Trail Boss has very little recoil. My Marlin is also chambered in .38 and has zero recoil. I use a 97 with a 2.5 inch recoil pad and Winchester extra lights, which have very soft recoil. Many local clubs offer a Roy and Dale category which let's you pass on the shotgun if you are unable to use it.

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